Special events/filming

Special Event Business Licence (136.22 KB)
An exhibition, show, concert or sporting event to be held at BC Place, Rogers Arena, the Pacific National Exhibition, or the Vancouver Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Special Event on Private Property Business Licence (265.36 KB)
For an event that will take place on private property. If alcohol is being sold or served, a Special Occasion Licence from the Liquor Control & Licensing Branch is required (contact any Provincial Government liquor store).

The provincial or extra-provincial certificate of incorporation issued by the BC Corporate Registry

The Notice of Articles showing the company's list of directors

A federal certificate of incorporation issued by Industry Canada won't be accepted.

What approvals you may need before you get your licence

You might require other approvals before your business licence is approved:

Building and zoning approval

Before you purchase or sign a lease for your business location, check with the Development and Building Services Centre first to make sure that you will be able to conduct your type of business in those premises.

There are different requirements under the Zoning & Development Bylaw and the Building Bylaw for different uses. Each space in a building has its own specified approved use and sometimes the use of that space cannot be changed without an approval or a permit, or both.

Staff at the Development and Building Services Centre will review your proposed business location. Depending on the zoning, your business may or may not be permitted. Or your business may only be permitted after a development permit is obtained. A building permit or a special inspection may also be required.

Contact the Development and Building Services Centre about building and zoning at 604-873-7611.

Licence approvals

Before your business licence is issued, you may require other approvals from the Police, Fire, or Health Departments.

Environmental Health: Any food-related businesses must have an inspection completed and approved by Vancouver Coastal Health.

Fire: Some business licence categories will require certificates from the Vancouver Fire Department.

Police: If police approval is required, you will need to go directly to the Vancouver Police Department (VPD) located at 2120 Cambie Street to apply for a Police Information Check (PIC). For more information on the VPD’s location, hours of operation, fees, how to apply and how long it will take, please visit the VPD’s website. For more information on business licence applications that may need police approval, please contact the Development and Building Services Centre.

Province of BC: Some business licence categories will require certificates from the Province of BC.

Engineering approval

Businesses must have waste disposal set up for garbage, recycling, and green waste.